Friday, July 21, 2017

Commentary on Meditations: B4:24

'If you want to be happy', says Democritus, 'do little.' May it not be better to do what is necessary, what the reason of a naturally social being demands, and the way reason demands it done? This brings the happiness both of right action and of little action. Most of what we say and do is unnecessary: remove the superfluity, and you will have more time and less bother. So in every case one should prompt oneself: 'Is this, or is it not, something necessary?' And the removal of the unnecessary should apply not only to actions but to thoughts also: then no redundant actions either will follow.

Efficiency and focus - these lead to a life of meaning and happiness. Time, money and thought spent on superfluous things leads to a dead end. What are we doing to benefit society? Are we raising decent children? Are we helping others in our community? Are we doing no harm?

Life with a purpose and minimal time spent on low-value-add activities should be the aim for all.